Blog/News

Management of stormwater has become a hot topic and could be the next profit center for your business. Landscapers who install paver patios and walkways already can know the principles behind attractive hardscapes. They can point
their clients to product lines that absorb rainfall while reducing runoff and promote the earth friendly benefits of these systems.

BENEFITS:

Stormwater runoff reduction
Through the use of permeable pavers in driveways and parking areas the amount of stormwater that reaches water treatment systems can be reduced. This will save money for municipalities.

Aquifer recharge
Porous pavements detain stormwater and allow it to slowly add to the ground water levels and mimic the natural water cycle.

Pollution control
Paved surfaces used for vehicle traffic accumulate pollutants that flow into streams and lakes with the stormater. Permeable pavers filter suspended solids, nutrients, and metals through the crushed stone base and aid in the breakdown of contaminants.

Cost savings
Experience has shown that even though the initial installation costs more,permeable pavers have maintenance costs that are 30% less than asphalt.

Cooling effects and looking cool
Permeable pavers that are sown with grass seed have a lower surface temperature than asphalt. Porous pavers look great! The open areas of these pavers can have soil and grass seed added to give a very unique look.ver 90% of rainfall events are of half an inch less. Much of this rainfall

Over 90% of rainfall events are of half an inch less. Much of this rainfall can be handled by permeable pavers. By showing your clients the benefits
you can add more green to your bottom line.

Prune now for a bountiful bloom. Your spirea and Limelight hydrangea should be pruned now for a better flower show this season!

The MLM crews have been out repairing lawns damaged by snowplowing.

We also repair the damaged sprinkler heads! The crews are making their rounds for Spring cleanups and the great thing about this Spring is that due to less snow cover this winter there is no snow mold!

Pro Tips

By choosing drought tolerant and, in some cases, native plants, property owners can reduce the amount of fertilizer and water needed to have plants look their best. Another way to reduce water use is with a rain gauge connected to your irrigation system.

Hello Fellow Gardeners!

An EXTRA special thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve your needs! Also a hardy shout out to the MLM team- they are the ones that turn our plans into reality. We are truly grateful that you have chosen MLM as your outdoor service provider. Let our newsletter be your early taste of Spring!

Invincibelle Spirit
Here’s one for you hydrangea lovers! Invincibelle Spirit is a brand new hydrangea from Proven Winners. It is the world’s first pink ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea. Invincibelle blooms on new wood. This means late freezes and fall pruning won’t result in loss of flower buds. It blooms continually from early summer until a hard frost. Invincibelle reaches 3′-4′ tall. Also, Proven Winners will donate $1 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each shrub sold. Ask Dan for more information on how this Proven Winner can add beauty and value to your property.

Spring is right Around the Corner

Spring might not come fast enough for a lot of us, but it’s only a couple months away. Time to start planning spring cleanups, the first fertilizer applications, and new landscape projects. We’ll be there to help you with it all! Give us a call today!

Plant Feature:

False Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
Members of the Perennial Plant Association have voted Baptisia Australis as the 2010 Perennial of the Year. This plant has an abundance of characteristics that have made this a favorite of gardener’s for years: gorgeous purple-blue flowers, hardy, wide adaptability, drought-tolerant, native, non-invasive, relatively pest-free, butterfly attractant, and is not bothered by rabbit or deer! Wow! Baptisia Australis does best in full sun and well-drained soils or tended gardens. It does not divide or transplant well due to it’s long taproot. Native Americans used the plant for a wide range of medicinal purposes. Baptisia Australis is called “False Indigo” because it was used as a dye substitute in place the superior True Indigo of the West Indies in colonial times. Ask us how this gorgeous, low-maintenance plant can get your neighbors talking…in a good way!

Container Gardening

Do you need to spruce up a corner of a deck or patio? Could your front entry be more welcoming? Container gardening can do all that, with arrangements for each season! We can supply a container or use yours, call for an early spring quote today.

We like to bring you some seasonal news and tips on best plating, pruning and other gardening practices for the Grand Rapids Michigan area Growing Zone 3. Click on links below to open PDF’s of Newsletter archives: